epitomise
Meaning: To be a perfect example or embodiment of a quality, type, or characteristic; to represent the most typical instance of something.
Epitomise is used to identify something or someone as the quintessential representative of a broader category. It carries a slightly literary tone and is common in cultural criticism, journalism, and biographical writing. Note that 'epitome' (the noun) is sometimes mispronounced — it has four syllables: eh-PIT-oh-mee.
Examples
- The brutalist tower block on the South Bank epitomises the architectural ambitions and social idealism of the 1960s. 南岸那座粗野主义的塔楼集中体现了二十世纪六十年代的建筑雄心和社会理想主义。La torre brutalista del South Bank epitomiza las ambiciones arquitectónicas y el idealismo social de los años sesenta.サウスバンクにあるブルータリズム建築のタワーは、1960年代の建築的野心と社会理想主義を象徴している。사우스뱅크에 있는 브루탈리즘 양식의 타워 블록은 1960년대의 건축적 야망과 사회적 이상주의를 상징한다.
- Her career epitomises the challenges facing women in senior leadership positions within traditionally male-dominated industries. 她的职业生涯是在传统上由男性主导的行业中,女性担任高层领导职务所面临挑战的缩影。Su carrera epitomiza los retos a los que se enfrentan las mujeres en puestos de alta dirección dentro de industrias tradicionalmente dominadas por hombres.彼女のキャリアは、伝統的に男性が優位な産業における女性の上級管理職が直面する課題を象徴している。그녀의 경력은 전통적으로 남성이 지배적인 산업에서 여성 고위 리더들이 직면하는 과제를 전형적으로 보여준다.
- The scandal epitomised everything that was wrong with the deregulated financial sector of the late twentieth century. 那桩丑闻集中体现了二十世纪末放松监管的金融行业中存在的一切问题。El escándalo epitomizó todo lo que estaba mal en el sector financiero desregulado de finales del siglo XX.そのスキャンダルは、20世紀末の規制緩和された金融セクターのあらゆる問題を象徴するものであった。그 스캔들은 20세기 후반 규제가 완화된 금융 부문의 모든 문제를 집약적으로 보여주었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, literary
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek epitome (an abridgement, a cutting short), from epitemnein (to cut short), from epi- (into) + temnein (to cut). Entered English in the 16th century via Latin.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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